The proposed bill seeks to establish a new chapter, 16.1-08.2, in the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on campaign disclosure statements and amending existing campaign finance laws. Key changes include raising the reporting threshold for contributions and expenditures from $200 to $250, which will impact how candidates and political committees report their financial activities. The bill mandates detailed reporting of contributions exceeding this new threshold, including the names and addresses of contributors. It also introduces new definitions for terms related to political financing and outlines the responsibilities of the Secretary of State in ensuring compliance with these laws. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for non-compliance and fraudulent activities related to elections.

Significantly, the bill repeals the current chapter 16.1-08.1, which governs campaign disclosure statements, and introduces stricter regulations on corporate contributions and expenditures. It specifies that only certain individuals, such as employees and board members, may contribute to political purposes from corporations and similar entities. The legislation also requires political committees to register with the Secretary of State and file campaign disclosure statements before elections, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting and the separation of campaign and personal funds. The effective date for most provisions is set for January 1, 2026, with adjustments for inflation to reporting thresholds mandated every ten years.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 16.1-08.1-06.2
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Olson: 16.1-08.1-01, 16.1-08.1-02.1, 16.1-08.1-02.3, 16.1-08.1-02.4, 16.1-08.1-03.2, 16.1-08.1-03.7, 16.1-08.1-06.2, 54-66-01, 54-66-02
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 16.1-08.1-01, 16.1-08.1-02.1, 16.1-08.1-02.3, 16.1-08.1-02.4, 16.1-08.1-03.2, 16.1-08.1-03.7, 16.1-08.1-06.2, 54-66-01, 54-66-02
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Senator Roers: 15.1-09-08, 15.1-09-19, 16.1-01-12, 16.1-10-02, 16.1-10-04.1, 51-28-01, 54-66-01, 54-66-02
Adopted by the Conference Committee: 15.1-09-08, 15.1-09-19, 16.1-01-12, 16.1-10-02, 16.1-10-04.1, 51-28-01, 54-66-01, 54-66-02